USA made a statement start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium.
The hosts were gifted an early breakthrough in the 7th minute when Damián Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net to give USA a 1-0 lead.
USA quickly took control of the match and doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through Folarin Balogun, who finished after a fine assist from Christian Pulisic.
Balogun struck again deep into first-half stoppage time, scoring in the 45+4th minute from a Malik Tillman assist to send USA into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Paraguay improved after the restart and pulled one back in the 73rd minute through substitute Maurício, who scored after being set up by Julio Enciso.
But USA had the final say in stoppage time. Substitute Gio Reyna scored in the 90+7th minute, assisted by Alex Freeman, to seal a convincing 4-1 win.
The result puts USA top of Group D after their opening match and gives Mauricio Pochettino’s side the perfect platform for the rest of the group stage.
Goals
- 7′ Damián Bobadilla own goal – USA 1-0 Paraguay
- 31′ Folarin Balogun – USA
Assist: Christian Pulisic - 45+4′ Folarin Balogun – USA
Assist: Malik Tillman - 73′ Maurício – Paraguay
Assist: Julio Enciso - 90+7′ Gio Reyna – USA
Assist: Alex Freeman
Key Moments
- 7′ Damián Bobadilla own goal gives USA an early lead
- 10′ Juan José Cáceres booked for Paraguay
- 31′ Balogun makes it 2-0 for USA
- 45+4′ Balogun scores again to make it 3-0 before half-time
- 53′ Miguel Almirón booked for Paraguay
- 59′ Tyler Adams booked for USA
- 73′ Maurício pulls one back for Paraguay
- 79′ Diego Gómez booked for Paraguay
- 88′ Alex Arce booked for Paraguay
- 90+2′ Junior Alonso booked for Paraguay
- 90+7′ Gio Reyna scores USA’s fourth
- 90+9′ Full-time: USA 4-1 Paraguay
Substitutions
USA
- 46′ Sebastian Berhalter replaced Christian Pulisic
- 72′ Ricardo Pepi replaced Folarin Balogun
- 72′ Tim Weah replaced Sergino Dest
- 82′ Gio Reyna replaced Malik Tillman
Paraguay
- 46′ Maurício replaced Damián Bobadilla
- 62′ Alex Arce replaced Antonio Sanabria
- 79′ Gustavo Velázquez replaced Juan José Cáceres
- 79′ Ramón Sosa replaced Miguel Almirón
- 79′ Alejandro Romero Gamarra replaced Diego Gómez
What It Means
USA could not have asked for a better start. The early own goal gave them control, but their attacking quality made the difference, with Balogun producing a ruthless first-half display.
Paraguay showed some response in the second half, but defensive mistakes and repeated bookings made it difficult to build momentum.
For USA, this was more than just three points. It was a confident opening performance in front of home supporters and a major statement in Group D.
Final Score
USA 4-1 Paraguay
